For George Dubbaneh, owner and founder of Dubz Barbecue in North Port, Florida, food has always been more than just a meal — it’s a way of showing love, building community, and bringing people together.
Humble Beginnings
Growing up in a close-knit Middle Eastern family, George was surrounded by the aromas and energy of the kitchen. Food and hospitality were a part of everyday life. His father, a lifelong restaurateur, owned several restaurants throughout George’s childhood, including Soup Jungle Café in Port Charlotte. While most kids went home after school, George often found himself doing homework at the restaurant, watching his dad in action, and soaking up everything he could about the business.
By the age of twelve, he was eager to jump in himself. George began working one night a week at Soup Jungle, learning how to serve customers and understanding firsthand the joy that comes from making people happy through good food. It didn’t take long for customers to recognize his enthusiasm and drive — though at the time, he was sure he’d never follow in his father’s footsteps.
Finding His Path
Having seen the long hours and stress that came with owning a restaurant, George initially took another path. He worked at Nikki D’s, excelled in hospitality, then moved to Orlando to attend UCF before returning home to study finance at FGCU. Still, the restaurant world kept calling him back.
One day, his father suggested they open a restaurant together. George turned him down — five times, to be exact. But on the sixth, something clicked. He realized that his passion for food and people wasn’t something he could ignore. Together, they began searching for a location, eventually finding the perfect spot in North Port.
Building Dubz Barbecue
In August 2019, they signed the lease for what would become Dubz Barbecue. Six months later, just as they were ready to open, the world shut down. The pandemic made everything uncertain, but George and his team pushed forward, continuing the build-out and refusing to give up. On June 12, 2020, Dubz Barbecue officially opened its doors — right as local businesses began to reopen.
With only seven tables and 50% occupancy, George didn’t know what to expect. But the North Port community showed up in a big way. Word spread quickly, and Dubz Barbecue became a local favorite almost overnight. The outpouring of support and love was overwhelming — and it became clear that this was only the beginning.
Growing With the Community
A few years later, as the restaurant continued to thrive, the space next door opened up. George took the leap and began an expansion project that would transform Dubz into what it is today: a warm, welcoming space with 127 seats, a full liquor bar, and 10 big-screen TVs showing everything from NFL to college football. The build-out took time — and a lot of patience — but the result was worth every minute.
George credits much of the success to the people around him — his family, loyal customers, and dedicated staff who have stood by him from day one. “We’re like a family here,” he says. “I couldn’t do this without them.”
A Home in North Port
For George, Dubz Barbecue isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a home. Even when he takes time away, the moment he walks back through those doors, he feels that familiar sense of pride and comfort. “This is where I belong,” he says. “This is my life.”
The vision behind Dubz goes beyond great food. George designed the restaurant to be a place where people can connect — where conversations flow as easily as the drinks, and where laughter fills the room. He placed the bar in the center of the restaurant intentionally, calling it the “modern-day campfire” — a spot where people gather to share stories, make memories, and enjoy life together.
Today, Dubz Barbecue continues to serve up incredible food, friendly faces, and an atmosphere that feels like home. George and his team are proud to give back to the North Port community that has supported them from the start, always striving to deliver the best service, quality, and experience possible.
This is more than barbecue — it’s family, passion, and community.
This is Dubz Barbecue.
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Dubz Barbecue — Where Passion, Family, and Great Food Come Together.
